SURFACE WATER TECHNICIAN

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Under direction, to inspect, maintain and repair storm drainage lines, catch basins and related structures; to assist in the planning, design and construction of the surface water management system; and to do other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Department of Utilities manages and operates the County's utility service districts including sewerage facilities, collection systems, pumping stations and treatment plants and storm and surface water management.

The Surface Water Technician provides technical engineering and maintenance support in thedevelopment, implementation and maintenance of a water quality based system of surface water drainage and sanitary sewer collection. Positions provide field and administrative assistance to ensure compliance with federally mandated programs and environmental regulations regarding surface water management.

The Surface Water Technician differs from the Engineering Technician 3 which does not maintain or repair drainage structures. It also differs from the Utility Maintenance Worker 2which does not assist in the design or construction management of drainage systems.

TYPICAL TASKS

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

Participates in system maintenance and repair activities; inspects and cleans storm drains, catch basins, sewer lines, water quality facilities and related structures; tests for infiltration and exfiltration; performs standard and emergency repairs to correct line stoppages and breaks.

Assists in the development and implementation of projects to improve water quality in the drainage system, such as the construction of small water quality facilities and planting vegetation in wetlands; collects and analyzes data on existing surface water systems; monitors water quality; recruits and coordinates volunteers for water quality projects.

Participates in land surveys of existing and proposed drainage and sanitary sewer structures and water quality facilities; researches, prepares and maintains land documents, including legal descriptions for rights-of-way, easements, annexations and subdivisions.

Reviews and assembles contract specifications and construction plans and specifications; computes bid quantities and cost estimates; inspects storm drainage, sewer and water quality facilities during and after construction.

Responds to citizen questions and complaints on surface water issues, sewer service and construction projects; researches water quality andflooding problems; conducts site visits and coordinates response with other County staff.

May lead the work of technicians and maintenance staff on survey, maintenance or repair projects.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Working knowledge of: Operation and maintenance of storm/sanitary sewers and water quality facilities, equipment and machinery; work procedures, occupational hazards and safety techniques applicable to repairing and maintaining above and below ground drainage/sewer structures; techniques of land surveying and mapping; drafting instruments, materials and techniques; engineering mathematics, including algebra, geometry and trigonometry; microcomputer applications in drafting and survey data collection; basic engineering practices used in the design and construction of storm/ sanitary sewers and water quality facilities; basic hydrology; water sampling techniques; federal and state environmental, health and safety regulations, rules and standards applicable to surface water management; basic techniques of supervision.

Skill to: Operate storm/sanitary sewer cleaning and maintenance equipment, including rodder, portable generator, tapper and hydro-sewer cleaner; perform preventive maintenance and minor repairs to equipment and machinery, including pumps and metering devices; operate survey instruments; read and interpret maps and utility line plans and specifications; research and prepare complex legal descriptions and property ownership records; prepare and interpret construction drawings and specifications; conduct inspections and test construction materials for drainage structures, sanitary sewers and water quality facilities; prepare and maintain accurate records; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; oversee a crew of survey technicians or maintenance personnel; establish and maintain effective working relationships with County employees, employees of federal state and local agencies, contractors and the public.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Field activities include strenuous physical labor. Some duties may be performed under adverse weather conditions and in hazardous locations, such as streets, elevated platforms or ladders, ditches and live sewers. Incumbents may be exposed to communicable diseases in sewage water.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Attendance at periodic public meetings during early morning, evening and weekend hours.

For positions requiring a CDL, must pass a pre-employment drug test (DOT Regulations for CDL).

Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license. Field operations positions require possession of valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with tank endorsement within 6 months of hire. Incumbents must possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.

MINIMUM RECRUITING STANDARD

Any satisfactory combination of experience and training that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge and skills.